Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The Laugh Tract — who's bringing the funny

Louis C.K. is one of many stand-up superstars on the Oddball Comedy and Curiosity tour.

It's only August, but this will be the biggest comedy weekend of 2014. It all stems from the Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival, where some of the biggest names in the business will be at one place on the same night. But if that ticket costs a bit more than you wanted to spend, there are plenty of other choices — including free shows.
Here are your options for this weekend:

Theaters

Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. The names speak for themselves: Louis C.K., Jeff Ross, Marc Maron and Aziz Ansari are just some of the heavy-hitters on this comedy tour. There are many more, and a second stage if you want even more laughs. It's the priciest comedy ticket of the weekend, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a better lineup anywhere on the planet. Showtime is Friday at 5 p.m. 4802 N. US Hwy 301, Tampa. Info: livenation.com or 813-740-2446.

Comedy Clubs

Tommy Davidson at Tampa Improv. Davidson is still known for his funny impressions on In Living Color, but he's also been doing stand-up comedy for half his life. Expect some impressions you remember from television, and some stand-up comedy that wouldn't be allowed on it. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.

Tickle the Troops Comedy Tour at Tampa Improv. A show that benefits the Wounded Warrior Project, vets (both military and comedy) Chuck Kirkpatrick, Rick Walters and Peter O'Keefe deliver laughs to the audience and assistance to service personnel who need it most. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Chris Franjola at Side Splitters. Franjola is known for his work on Chelsea Lately, and he brings his wit and humor to the stage this weekend. He's usually pretty mellow but can find himself on a funny rant at a moment's notice. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.

Chris Killian at Side Splitters. The "other Chris" at Side Splitters headlines his own show on Sunday. His act includes plenty of punchlines laced with his guitar and bizarre-but-funny lyrics. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m.

Rich Guzzi at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Comedy hypnosis relies on the audience almost as much as the hyponotist. The right performer can take a handful of people and turn them into an evening of entertainment, using the power of suggestion to coax humorous responses out of their volunteers. And Guzzi is doing something right: Snappers has him performing for two extra days to give audiences more chances to see him.Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.

Carl Rimi at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJs). Rimi is quick-witted, sarcastic, and smart. It's a bad combination for targets of his ire, but it's good for audiences who get to enjoy the fruits of his stage work.Showtimes are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.

Lou Angelwolf at Babbo's Bistro. Angelwolf has been doing stand-up comedy for decades, and it seems to have put a permanent smile on his face. His relaxed, friendly demeanor provides a warm setup to his witty observations.Showtime is Friday at 9 p.m. 13575 58th St. N., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-538-4273.

Johnny B at Niagara Tap (free show). Johnny B is well-known on the radio, where he's heard nearly every night on 102.5 The Bone. On stage he says everything he can't in the studio. Expect plenty of adult content and inappropriate language since he knows the FCC can't touch him here. Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Niagara Tap is located at 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. For more information, visit theniagaratap.com or call 727-581-5331.

Johnny B at Oldsmar Tap House (free show). Johnny B's second show of the weekend (see above) brings him to Oldsmar. It's a different venue, but the same warnings apply: This is an adult show.Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 300 State St. E., Oldsmar. Info: 813-475-5996.